Best Cities for Families in Oregon
Oregon ranks #42 of 50 for families, with a families score of 53.3. Bethany is its best city for families at 67.7.
- Oregon, all states
- #42 of 50
- Population
- 33,106
What Families Should Know About Oregon
Oregon ranks #42 out of 50 for families, placing it in the bottom tier of states. That doesn't mean families can't thrive here — the state scores well in transportation (66/100) — but Oregon's overall profile suggests families should weigh the tradeoffs carefully, particularly around growth and economy.
Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and Oregon faces challenges on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 81.3%, trailing the national average. Families relocating here should research individual school districts carefully, as statewide metrics (education score: 36/100) mask significant local variation. At $21,774 a year for center-based infant care, childcare is a significant budget item that families need to plan for.
Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. Oregon performs reasonably well, with a violent crime rate below the 50-state average at 311.2 incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI estimate). The higher cost of living (index: 103.4) means families typically need above-average incomes to maintain a comfortable standard of living.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Families
| # City | Grade | Families score | Overall | Education | Safety | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Bethany | A+ | 67.7 | 75.7 | — | — | 36 | 33,106 |
| 2Lake Oswego | A+ | 67.1 | 68.7 | 70 | 97 | 31 | 40,381 |
| 3Bend | B+ | 62.3 | 62.2 | 47 | 85 | 42 | 103,390 |
| 4Beaverton | B+ | 60.6 | 60.0 | 59 | 73 | 48 | 97,812 |
| 5Redmond | B | 60.4 | 58.7 | 50 | 78 | 56 | 36,092 |
| 6McMinnville | C+ | 60.4 | 54.2 | 60 | 87 | 60 | 34,596 |
| 7Hillsboro | B+ | 59.8 | 60.9 | 56 | 74 | 49 | 108,231 |
| 8Corvallis | B | 59.6 | 56.7 | 57 | 80 | 57 | 59,960 |
| 9Tigard | B+ | 59.3 | 60.9 | 57 | 65 | 47 | 56,011 |
| 10Oregon City | B | 59.1 | 57.8 | 42 | 84 | 50 | 37,755 |
| 11Aloha | B+ | 57.4 | 58.8 | 61 | — | 51 | 52,389 |
| 12Keizer | C+ | 56.8 | 54.1 | 44 | 78 | 60 | 39,082 |
| 13Albany | C | 55.8 | 52.2 | 29 | 85 | 63 | 56,839 |
| 14Gresham | C | 54.7 | 52.0 | 42 | 67 | 56 | 112,378 |
| 15Salem | C | 54.2 | 51.9 | 45 | 63 | 61 | 178,865 |
| 16Springfield | C | 54.1 | 50.7 | 39 | 73 | 66 | 61,499 |
| 17Eugene | C | 54.0 | 51.9 | 49 | 64 | 60 | 179,591 |
| 18Grants Pass | D | 52.7 | 47.5 | 38 | 67 | 68 | 39,311 |
| 19Portland | C+ | 52.5 | 54.3 | 60 | 25 | 50 | 641,165 |
| 20Medford | C | 52.1 | 49.7 | 42 | 54 | 63 | 86,315 |
City families scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for families also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), lower is better; the share of households with someone under 18 (Census ACS), higher is better.
Compare: States with Similar Families Rankings
Also See: Oregon for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oregon a good state for families?
Oregon ranks #42 out of 50 for families with a persona-weighted score of 53.3/100. Its strongest relevant category is Transportation (66/100) and its weakest is Economy (33/100).
What is the best city for families in Oregon?
Bethany ranks #1 in Oregon for families with a score of 67.7/100, followed by Lake Oswego and Bend.
What factors are most important for families in Oregon?
Rankings weighted toward education quality, public safety, affordable housing, healthcare, and community livability — the factors that matter most to families with children.